Moray Council has announced a bold new five-year Gaelic Language Plan, setting out a heartfelt vision for breathing fresh life into one of Scotland’s oldest tongues.
Running from 2025 to 2030, the updated plan outlines a series of clear priorities designed to nurture Gaelic awareness, education and cultural engagement across the region.
Though not widely spoken in Moray today, Gaelic once flourished across the area, leaving a lasting legacy in its place names and cultural memory.
The new plan honours that history while looking firmly to the future, with practical steps to make Gaelic more visible and accessible in daily life.
It follows national legislation that requires all Scottish local authorities to support the preservation and promotion of the language.
Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, said the plan balances duty with local pride.
“This plan ensures we meet our statutory responsibilities while recognising the historical presence of Gaelic in Moray,” she said.
“It sets out practical steps to support awareness and access where appropriate, including in education.”
Among the potential developments is the ambition to establish a local Mòd, a celebration of Gaelic culture through music, song and storytelling.
James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of An Comunn Gàidhealach, warmly welcomed the initiative.
“An Comunn is delighted to see Moray Council developing a Gaelic Language Plan,” he said.
“We hope that the plan will serve as a catalyst for establishing a local Mòd in the area.”
Grassroots support is already growing, led by the Moray Gaelic Language Group, whose volunteers are working tirelessly to rekindle interest in the language.
Michael McClafferty, Chair of the group, spoke of the emotional connection many feel to Gaelic’s rhythms and heritage.
“They say every language has its soul and this is very true of Gaelic here,” he said.
“As volunteers we are indebted to everyone helping with the resurgence of Gaelic awareness.
“We’re seeing a real appetite for learning the language and enjoying the cultural activities it brings.”
The plan is expected to evolve over the next five years, responding to community interest and national policy, but its spirit is rooted in a love of language and place.
In Moray, the Gaelic flame may flicker quietly for now, but with care and commitment, it looks set to burn brighter once more.
Comhairle Mhoireibh a’ foillseachadh Plana Gàidhlig ùraichte
Tha Comhairle Mhoireibh air plana còig bliadhna ùraichte fhoillseachadh gus cleachdadh na Gàidhlig a bhrosnachadh agus a ghleidheadh air feadh na sgìre.
Tha Plana Gàidhlig Comhairle Mhoireibh (2025-2030) a’ stèidheachadh grunn phrìomh puingean gnìomh agus prìomhachasan.
Fo reachdas nàiseanta, feumaidh gach comhairle ann an Alba plana ullachadh gus taic a chumail ri cleachdadh leantainneach a’ chànain.
Ged nach eilear a’ coimhead air Moireibh mar as trice mar phrìomh sgìre Ghàidhlig san latha an-diugh, bha a’ chànan ga bruidhinn fad is farsaing san t-siorrachd gu deireadh an 18mh linn, agus tha mòran ainmean-àite fhathast a’ sealltainn a buaidh.
Thuirt Cathraiche Comataidh Foghlaim, Coimhearsnachdan agus Seirbheisean Cur-seachad Comhairle Mhoireibh, An Comhairliche Kathleen Robertson: “Tha am plana seo a’ dèanamh cinnteach gun coilean sin na dleastanasan reachdail againn agus sinn cuideachd ag aithneachadh làithreachd eachdraidheil na Gàidhlig ann am Moireibh. Tha e a’ cur air adhart ceumannan practaigeach gus taic a chumail ri mothachadh agus ri ruigsinneachd far a bheil sin iomchaidh, a’ gabhail a-steach ann am foghlam.”
Thuirt Seumas Greumach, Àrd Oifigear a’ Chomuinn Ghàidhealaich: “Tha an Comunn Gàidhealach ro thoilichte gu bheil Comhairle Mhoireibh air plana Gàidhlig a chruthachadh gus taic a chumail ri leasachadh na Gàidhlig san sgìre. Tha sinn an dòchas gum bidh am plana seo na mheadhan gus Mòd ionadail a stèidheachadh san sgìre.”
Dh’aontaich Mìcheal McClafferty, Cathraiche Buidheann Ghàidhlig Mhoireibh: “Bithear ag ràdh gu bheil anam aig gach cànan agus tha seo fìor a thaobh na Gàidhlig an seo.” Mar shaor-thoilich, tha sin fada an comain a h-uile duine a bhios a’ cuideachadh leis an leudachadh mòr ann am mothachadh air a’ chànan agus mar thoradh air seo, tha sinn a’ faicinn fìor mhiann airson a bhith ag ionnsachadh a’ chànain agus ann an gnothaichean cultarach co-cheangailte agus leis an toileachas a bheir seo do dhaoine.
